London (sans kids) Day 2

On my second day solo in England I got up early and took a train out to Bath.  It was a girl trip from start to finish!  I loved the day, and still smile about it when I replay it in my mind.  It rained the entire time, but that is part of the beauty.  Had I had kids or Trent along I wouldn't have been able to just wander in the rain, duck into whatever shop struck my fancy, oogle at the architecture of the Georgian buildings, site see at my own leisurely pace and best of all, I didn't have anyone making snide comments or gagging at my happiness and utter contentment.........ALL DAY LONG.

first stop...The Roman Baths

I found them to be very interesting and I wish they were still in use because I would have liked to take a dip to warm my bones from the chilly day.  I saw the iconic Pump Room, which made me smile.  I even drank the healing waters, though I'm not sure if it had any affect.

Originally, the Romans found the hot springs of Bath and created these buildings as a spa or resort per say for people to come and enjoy.  They were rediscovered years later by Brits who dug them back out since they'd been silted in.  They were used and enjoyed again.  The waters were said to have healing powers so people flocked to Bath to enjoy them.  The town grew up around them and has enjoyed prosperity ever since.

This is the main spring.

Once again the Romans ingenuity and level of smarts has to impress.  This is what was under the floors.  Then fires would be lit and blown through the rooms to keep the floors warm so your experience at this spa was comfortable at all times.

now on to...the cathedral

The town is so well kept and ready for tourists.  All the shops were beautifully groomed, clean and had creative window displays to draw the crowds. 

I loved that this cathedral had such a medieval feel.  You don't see red chandeliers often, in fact this is my first time and I've seen a lot of churches at this point.  I think this might be one of my favorites so far simply because of its uniqueness.  The red was really striking against the white of the rock.

of course the wood carvings did not disappoint

now on to...Pulteney Bridge

Just a short walk from the church, along the river you come to the Pulteney bridge.

It was and still is today, Bath's version of the Rialto Bridge in Venice.  I can't say I agree that it has the same appeal or bears much resemblance to its namesake.  However, in its defense it was cool, that can't be denied.  I think they should stop comparing and just own it!

I loved this little flower shop.

continuing on...walking through town

a must see...the fashion museum

This museum is completely devoted to the fashions of England.  The museum is very well stocked and laid out.  The auditory guide was very very informative.  The dresses were so colorful and beautiful.  I loved looking at them, but am overjoyed that I live now, and don't have to wear them.  Definitely, not my thing!  BUT, the shoes on the other hand.....Mmmm, I really liked them!

These are in order of time period, starting from the right.  The first dress is also the oldest in the entire collection.

I thought this was the most outrageous.  I can't believe they actually wore stuff like this.  How annoying and comical if you let your mind wander.  Just imagine ladies and gentleman walking down the street in these get ups.  Hilarious!

These were my favorites.  They are truly beautiful and so flattering to the female figure.  These dresses I think I would like to have worn...if I had to choose.

They had a fun area with remakes of clothing for girls to play dress up.  My girls would have loved it! 

I didn't get a good shot of the assembly hall because a group of tourists was right behind me.  I'm impressed I even got this shot off because they came barging in and annoyed me so much I had to book it outta there.

walking further into town you'll come across...the circus

The circus is aptly named.  Fashioned after the great Roman Colosseums of old, they are essentially the first of what we call townhouses today.  Built in a circle with a green area in the center,  they have become a main attraction and historical marker for the town's Georgian history.

I saved the best to last...the Royal Crescent

The Royal Crescent is the gem of Bath.  It's a set of 30 row houses built in a crescent on a hilltop.  Although the insides have been renovated and changed over the years, the outside facades remain the same as when they were first constructed.  The Royal Crescent is said to be the finest example of Georgian architecture in England.  And I believe it...it is gorgeous to see and walk!

No. 1 Royal Crescent houses a wonderful museum.  They have done an excellent job restoring and collecting all sorts of paintings, furniture and accessories of the Georgian time, which is such a magical time for Jane Austen fans.

 

I just can't get enough of the red phone booths...iconic!

time to eat...Jamie's Italian on Milsom Street

Ok, if you know me well, you know I like to cook.  You'd also know that I really, really like Jamie Oliver.  I have to admit that although I was super duper excited to go to Bath and see the sites....I was equally excited to eat at his Italian restaurant!!  I marched right in and got myself a table.  The place was decorated to perfection.  I wish I could hire the same people to do my dream kitchen.  The walls were an ocean blue, but distressed.  The trimmings were black.  The tables were a honey colored wood and simple in design.  The kitchen was open and all sorts of fresh produce, herbs and baked goods hanging on the walls and in baskets.  Such a lovely atmosphere.

I laughed to myself as I sat down and was immediately offered water.  Spain isn't big on customer service, and that is being too nice.  Customer service is nonexistent, so it was a wonderful surprise to be given water right away!

I told myself I was going to order whatever I wanted, no matter the size or price.  I had no plans on finishing, I just wanted to taste as much as possible.  I started with a selection of homemade breads.  They were all unique and yummy!!

Then came a humble green salad with buttermilk dressing followed by mushroom ravioli....Ohhhh, mouthwateringly good!  I'm salivating as I remember.  Every bite was pure heaven.

As if the meal could have gotten any better, Jamie pulled through with a stellar dessert menu.  I'm a sucker for lemon so naturally I chose the Lemon Curd Slice with fresh fruit compote and pistachios.  What a delightful compliment of tastes and flavors.....I would go back just for this!

At the end of the meal I again had to chuckle at myself.  I had no intentions of eating all the food that was brought, but I'd found that I had!  I was completely stuffed and happy as a tick.  I paid my bill and made my way back to the train station to head back into London.

My alone time was at its end.  It was time to meet up with Trent and go see FOSTER THE PEOPLE in concert!